11-25 vs. 11-28

[StevieL]

So I'm not sure which cassette to get...

 

I'm not an out n out mountain goat, but I don't suck on climbs either.

Is there a massive difference between a 11-25 and an 11-28?

 

I'm not considering ascending Alpe d'Huez either, I'm talking races like Argus or the 94.

 

Edit: I'm currently on an 11-23 and the hills are killing me...

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I have 25 my brother 28. I think the difference is 8 rpm at the same speed. All I can say is that he spins lekker up suiker bossie. makes it look so easy. So yes I think it makes a significant difference. If I should change cassettes I would go 28 next time, nice bail out gear to have. On the other hand not having a 28 will probably make me stronger quicker.

[Cycling Major]

11-25 would be fine!!!

 

If you're thinking of the Jock and those kind of races, then yes I would go for a 11-28, but just for those days then.

 

28 will let you spin out around Gauteng areas.  More often than not you are on a not to steep climb around here.

 

I have the exact setup as mentioned above so I might be biased!

 

Just my 2c

['Dale]

11-28

Just give you that extra range when you need it

 

(It's now the preferred cassette on the Worldtour )

[MarcL]

Hi

 

You could split the difference and get a 27?

 

Having said that, what is the harm of having the "safety" gear of the 28, you can always gear down if you spin out.

 

My view anyhow.

 

PS - I ride a 27 and very happy with it having use it Mt Ventoux and Suiker Bossie

[Jay_B]

Hmmm my bike came standard with a 32    

 

Dont use it too often but sure was glad i had it for long tom pass at the jock earlier this year

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I'm an aspiring sub 3 Argus rider (been so for a long time), On second thought, I would probably stick to the 25, force me to HTFU. I think the bail out gear if it is there I will start using instead of taking the pain.

[AngryAustrian]

I assume we are talking 11speed and I would ask, what do you weigh and what chainrings are you running in the front?

 

I'm not crazy about the spacing of the 10speed 11-28 but 11speed is nice. If you have a compact stick with 11-25 (assuming you don't weigh 95kg) if you have 52/36 or 53/39 go with 11-28.

 

Currently running 52/36 & 11-28 and I would say that combo is absolutely perfect. Easy enough on the hills and a big enough gear for the flat races.

[tombeej]

You can't talk about gear combinations by discussing cassette only. Don't forget about the front rings.

 

The discussion needs to include whether you're riding with standard or compact cranks.

[LOOK695]

25 should be really enough. Did the jock with a 25/36 ratio. Did suffer slightly on long tom, but if your crank is 34/50, it is more than enough

[jimmycool]

There is my problem. I run a 53-39 and 11-28 but it does not help me get my 115kg of pure muscle up some of these kzn hills (old howick road by example)

Anyone have a compact Tiagra crank to swap?...

[FlyingScot]

Wouldn't change my 11-28, running with a 53/39.

[Pure Savage]

I'm an aspiring sub 3 Argus rider (been so for a long time), On second thought, I would probably stick to the 25, force me to HTFU. I think the bail out gear if it is there I will start using instead of taking the pain.

 

I did a 2:52 with a 28 cassette, nobody leans over and shifts your gears for you

[Schnavel]

I have a 11-25 and barely use the 25 tooth.

 

Gauteng is too flat to need anything bigger.

 

As mentioned above, for things like the jock and panorama tour, I would use a 11-27 just to give that little bit extra.

[Jakkals.]

11/28 if you ride knysna & jock.

 

if you don't, 11/25 is the man!

[shaper]

53/39 with 11-28 11spd, hardly use the 28 but is there for those days when the energy is low or on races like the Panorama tour